Here's Why Audi Joining Hands With McLaren Is A Win-Win For Both

Two big carmakers merging into one entity isn’t new, especially with the Bugatti-Rimac alliance happening this year. Now, reports have come up suggesting that Audi is set to acquire the entirety of the McLaren Group.

The McLaren acquisition would make sense for Audi, considering the latter would have to otherwise start a full-fledged factory outfit, an investment-intensive project. The alternative is Audi takes over an already established F1 operation, McLaren, in this case, thereby reducing the financial layout significantly. In this case, Audi would only have to provide the engines for McLaren’s Formula One cars.

It’s no secret that McLaren’s finances have been adversely impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, so this reported acquisition, if true, would be a welcome injection of funds to keep the performance brand chugging along. But the real reason behind this could be that Audi is mulling entering Formula One in the new engine regulations era beginning from 2025/26.

Get latest updates on
the automobile community

Login Now

However, all the murmurs seem to not hold any water, considering Audi hasn’t put out any official word yet, and McLaren has downright junked the buyout rumours. They said, “McLaren Group is aware of a news media report stating it has been sold to Audi. This is wholly inaccurate and McLaren is seeking to have the story removed. McLaren’s technology strategy has always involved ongoing discussions and collaboration with relevant partners and suppliers, including other carmakers, however, there has been no change in the ownership structure of the McLaren Group.”

It's a bummer now that McLaren has dismissed the news, but here’s some fodder for thought. Should the acquisition ever come through, would it be a positive development for the two parties involved? Let us know what you think in the comments below.